Richmond's Bachar Houli and Dion Prestia are running out of time to be fit for their round one clash against Carlton in a week’s time.
The pair have been battling soft tissue injuries over the preseason to the calf (Houli) and hamstring (Prestia).
While they are making good progress and have pushed to be ready for their season opener it is unlikely the Tigers will take any risks with their premiership heroes.
“We have still got several training sessions to go. We haven’t given up on either of them, but we will be conservative with them,” Richmond footy boss Neil Balme told heraldsun.com.au.
“They are both keen to play but we won’t be taking any risks with them. Dion slightly hurt himself, then slightly hurt it again.
“That might count against him. We don’t want to take any risks.”
Richmond will also be without Daniel Rioli who still hasn’t recovered from the foot fracture he suffered in the Grand Final and Nathan Broad who is under a club suspension.
Rioli’s likely replacement is small forward Shai Bolton who is coming into his second AFL season and Jayden Short or Reece Conca could come in for Broad.
Broad is suspended for the first three rounds of the season in the wake of the topless female photo scandal.
He is allowed to play in the VFL, however their season doesn’t kick off until April 1.
In the meantime, he is expected to play VFL practice matches along with the rest of his Richmond teammates not selected in the senior team.
Shaun Hampson is the other Tiger who is unlikely to be fit for round one with the ruckman suffering and ongoing back complaint and needing another epidural to ease the pain.
Despite a few injury niggles, Balme believes the Tigers have put in a good pre-season.
“We are in good shape. Only Shaun Hampson hasn’t done that much. He is getting more work done on his back,” Balme added.
Richmond's premiership defense kicks off against Carlton at the MCG on Thursday the 22nd of March.
